A senior PMPML official told TOI that at present both civic bodies have no budgetary provisions. “The PCMC has set aside funds for CNG buses. However, both civic bodies are being careful about e-buses as the concept is new. The goal is to have at least 25 e-buses on Pune streets by Republic Day,” the official said.Representational imageIn April, director of PMPML Siddharth Shirole had said that the utility would acquire 500 e-buses in place of the normal air-conditioned buses.

“The PMC is trying to engage the Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited for the e-bus project. If the corporation gets the buses, the infrastructure such as charging stations is needed. Until now, both corporations have not shown interest towards getting the e-buses. The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) is looking after the plan and both civic bodies have met them,” the official said.

The PMPML officials said other models were also being considered. “There were talks that the buses could see acquisition as per the gross cost capital model but then it is for both the civic bodies to decide. If we are looking at January 26, we have to be ready with a proper plan and acquire these buses within a couple of months,” another official said.

Tarun Ghole, a regular commuter, said the utility has announced a date without any plan. “The utility should use its resources to maintain the existing fleet. They have big dreams when the reality is in a shambles,” he said.

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In order to exhibit the model stretches of national highways as per norms, NHAI plans to develop 57 stretches of NH (1,735 kms) across the length and breadth of the country near each state capital, the NHAI official said. These model stretches will serve as a platform to instruct the highway engineers.